Building construction



De 14, 1937. A. c. OLSEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 1937. A. c. OLSEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 14, 1937. c OLSEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed .Feb. 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 c- 1937- A. c. OLSEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 14, 1935 '7 SheetsSheet 5 Dec. 14, 1937., c. OLSEN 2,101,952

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Dec. 14, 1937. A. c. OLSEN 2,101,952

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Dec. 14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 42 Claims.

This invention relates to building constructions and more particularly to partitioning and sheathing means for the interiors of buildings affording a complete covering and subdividing structure which may be applied either to finished interiors or, as original installations, to the framework of buildings under construction.

The general object of the invention is to pro. vide a novel and iinproved construction of this character.

\ More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a partitioning and sheathing structure built up of panels of a suitable ornamental appearance and durable composition, the

1l 5 panels being secured together and supported.

from the wall and ceiling base structures, and connected with corresponding assemblies in the partition arrangements, by novel connecting and spacing elements, the provision of which constim tutesanother important feature of my invention.

In its preferred embodiments the invention contemplates the provision of certain cooperating fastening members which are adapted to be engaged by the panels themselves on the one hand,

25 and by the spacing, supporting or hanger elements on the other, whereby these members or modifications thereof may be employed in similar arrangements of ceiling, wall or double partition structures. In certain embodiments of the in- 30 vention the panels are kerfed for the insertion of portions of the fastening elements, and in all cases the cooperating fastening elements interlock by means of somewhat similarly kerfed or tongue-and-groove portions.

35 Other features of the invention include the provision of various elements, combinations and subcombinations of elements for securing the partitions and sheathings to the floor and ceiling, as well as the provision of cornice, window, base- 40 board, chair-rail, and other ornamental and practical finishing constructions.

Further objects and features of novelty wi be apparent from the following specification when read in connection with the accompanying draw- 45 ings in which certain embodiments of my invention are set forth by way of example.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of a building interior struc- 50 ture, on a smaller scale than that of subsequent figures and showing wall. and ceiling sheathing and a partition assembly embodying the principles of my invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional ,view of the u partition illustrated in Figure 1, but on a larger scale and showing more detail;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the same partition with portions shown in cross section and other portions broken away for the sake of clearness; 5

Figure {I is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the partition taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the wall sheathing taken on line 5-5 10 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the Wall sheathing taken on line 6-5 of Figure 1;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary plan view of a partiaily completed ceiling construction forming one embodiment of my invention in which the panels. may have certain acoustic properties;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a portion of this ceiling structure;

Figure 9 is a. cross sectional view taken on line 99 of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view taken on line IO-lll of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of one end of one of the cross strips of substantially T-shaped cross section forming a part of the panel supporting structure;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective View of a partiallycompleted suspended ceiling structure also of the built-up panel type and which may also have acoustic properties;

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of this ceiling structure;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a modified form of double wall partition similar to that shown for example in Figure 2;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the same embodiment;

Figures 16 and 17 are detail sectional views of modified forms'of panel joints which may be employed in practicing my invention;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the base of another form of partition;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on line Iii-490i Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a vertical sectional view of a variant form Tpartition;

Figure 21 is a view in horizontal section of a portion of a window frame disposed in a double walled partition and taken on a line corresponding to line 2|-*-2l of Figure 1;

Figure 22 is a broken perspective view of still another partition modification;

Figure 23 is a horizontal sectional view of a similar partition which embraces a pillar;

Figure 24 is a horizontal sectional view of another partition spacing and supporting means;

Figure 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further modification of partition structure;

Figure 26 is a perspective view showing a wall sheathing connection;

Figure 2'7 is a perspective view partly in section of a ceiling sheathing suspension;

Figure 28 is a partial perspective view of a further modification showing partition assembly; and

Figure 29 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of the junction of a wall sheathing and a ceiling sheathing, and also disclosing an appropriate cornice structure.

The perspective view of a portion of the interior of a building shownsomewhat diagrammatically'in Figure 1 may be taken as a key flgure upon which many of the subsequent figures of drawing may be based. This figure illustrates generically the various adaptations of my invention to ceiling, wall sheathing and partition structures; this entire assemblage of interior construction being characterized by the embodiment of certain more or less standard elements comprising panel supporting, spacing, tying and hanging devices.

The wall supporting structure is indicated in the drawings by the reference character l0 and as already pointed out may be a rough masonry construction, a finished wall as, for example, in the case of the application of my invention to an old building, or it may represent the framework including risers and other more or less skeletonlike elements of a partially completed building.

The ceiling supporting structure is indicated in this example by the joists I, but of course may be in practice any form of overhead structure. The wall sheathing is indicated generally by the reference character l2 and the suspended ceiling construction has the reference character |5 applied thereto. Both of these sheathing assemblies are preferably of the built-up panel type and the wallsheathing |2 is connected to the base wall ID by means of suitable spacing and supporting elements which will be later described. One means of suspending the ceiling sheathing l5 from the joists II is suggested at l6 and may take various specific forms as set forth in subsequent descriptions.

A double walled partition assembly is indicated generally at 20 and the separate spaced walls thereof are connected together by means shown in more detail in subsequent figures. Both the wall sheathing assembly l2 and the partition construction 20 are comprised of panels of suitable size and shape such as indicated at 2| and may be provided with suitable ornamental and useful embellishments such as the baseboards 22, the chair-rails 23, the molding or ceiling cornice 24 and the window assembly 25. A door 26 is sug-' gested in Figure 1 as giving access to the room.

The details of various embodiments of the structures shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 may be found in various subsequent views, many of which are taken on the section lines indicated upon this guide figure.

One of the preferred forms of double walled partition structure embodying the principles of the invention is very clearly illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 4 of the drawings. Suitably secured to the floor structure 28 as by means of a fastening screw 29 is the channel shaped floor track or seating member 30. The upturned flanges ll of this member may conveniently be received within the kerfs 32 formed in the bottom edges of the opposite, baseboard members 22. The upper edges of the baseboards 22 are similarly kerfed at 33. The superposed panels 2|, which are preferably, though not necessarily, of hard asbestos or tile composition, and the chair-rail member 23 on each side of the partition are also kerfed in the mannerindicated by the numerals 33. Between adjacent edges of the panels and corresponding covering elements are disposed the substantially T-shaped securing members 35 which are provided with flanges 36 facing in opposite directions and adapted to enter the kerfs 33 formed in the meeting edges of the panels. These members or strips 35 may conveniently be made of folded sheet metal as illustrated.

A preferably H-shaped spacing and supporting frame is designated generally by the reference character 38 and comprises the upright members or posts 48 which in this embodiment comprise the mating angle irons II with which the ends of the panel connecting strips 35 are interlocked.

Between the inwardly directed flanges of the posts 40 the spacing or tie elements 45 are disposed and rigidly secured as by welding.

The means for securing the strips 35 to the posts 40 comprises a further kerfed or tongueand-groove connection. The folded horizontal portion of the strips 35 are kerfed at their ends as at "to snugly-receive the outwardly directed flanges 42 of the angle irons 4|. The ends of these strips 35 preferably terminate before abutting each other. The vertical mating edges of certain of the panels 2| which occur adjacent the supporting means 38 may be kerfed in a manner similar to that shown at 33 to receive a spline strip 48.

At the top of the partition structure which has just been described, a member 50 is provided which forms a cornice or molding strip for positioning the upper end of the partition and securing it to the ceiling l5 or the like. This member 56 may be of sheet metal which comprises the flat plate 5| secured to the ceiling as by means of the screws 52 and having secured to its side edges as at 53 the downwardly and inwardly inclined portions 55 which may have the upwardly turned flanges 56 at their edges for embracing the partition assembly. It is conceivable that the portions 55 may be adjustablysecured to the plate 5| so that the member 58 may be expanded or contracted to receive partition assemblies ofvarious thicknesses.

The preferred methodof assembling the panels is to first set up the H-shaped supporting and spacing members 38 within the floor track 38 which has already been laid along the desired line of partition. Then the baseboards 22 may be applied to the floor track and the successive jacent the wall H) with one of its upturned flanges 6| in contact therewith. The opposite flange at 62 contacts with the baseboard 22 which may be installed just as indicated in Figure 2 of the drawings in connection with the partition structure, or may be varied as suggested in Figure 6 by the provision of an upwardly projecting flange 64 adapted to enclose the lowermost tier of panels 2|. The successive tiers of superposed panels 2| are kerfed and connected by strips just as in the case of the previously described embodiments. However, these strips 35 are secured at their ends to vertical studs 65 which are the counterparts of the posts 48 of the partition supporting members 38. These studs or posts may conveniently be formed in the same manner as the panel edge supporting strips 35 having overlapping body portions and outwardly flared flanges of somewhat heavier construction, The floor track elements will rigidly secure the posts or studs to the floor and any suitable molding or cornice shown certain embodiments of overlapping panel constructions. The panel designated 21a is provided with an offset flange 61 which overlies the sired may be of a slight ogee configuration and of upper edge of the lower row of panels. The adjacent edges of panels 2lb are both provided with overlapping flanges 68 which lie within the boundary planes of the panels. The same sort of supporting strips 35 may be employed in this connection or the spline strips 48 as shown in Figure 4 may occur at points of this description.

In Figures 14 and 15 there is shown an adaptation of the present invention in which' certain box-like sheet metal members are employed which have been used in other connections in certain of my prior applications. In this embodiment these box-like elements, designated by the reference character 10, comprise a hollow tubular body portion H from one of the side walls of which the parallel flanges 12 extend to form a block letter T. The outer edges of these flanges 12 are provided with flaringwings 13, which if dea resilient'construction in order to clamp certain other portions of the partition structure between these wings and the body portion II of the element 1!). A spacing and connecting clip 15 serves to join the two posts ID at intervals along their lengths to provide another embodiment of the substantially H-shaped partition supporting element disclosed in another form at 38 in Figure 2. The connecting clips 15 are provided with narrow necks 76 adjacent their extreme ends and with the substantially T-shaped heads 11. The heads 11 are received within the hollow body portion H of the posts or studs III, the neck portion 16 extends between the parallel walls or flanges 12, and shoulders 18 on the clip abut the outer surfaces of the flared wings 13.

In order to secure the panels 2| to this partition stud the strips 35' are used. These strips are very similar to the strips 35 described in con nection with the other embodiments, but are provided with a considerably wider kerf 41' to receive the sides of the box-like body portion H of the strip 10. The strips 35 are provided with the outwardly flaring flanges 36 as in the other case which interfit with the adjacent kerfed edges of the panels 2|.- In order to prevent the clip I5 from twisting and becoming dislodged from its .proper position, a tongue 19 is struck from the center of the clip 15 and bent at an angle with the 7--1l inclusive of the drawings.

In this embodiment, the panels designated by the numerals 2| as in the other embodiments may be of the acoustic type, being formed of suitable sound absorbing material such as mineral wool or the like, or on the other hand they may be made of the hard asbestos composition preferred in connection with the other embodiments. They may also be provided in any desired shape other than the square type illustrated and are preferably, although not necessarily, provided with chamfered or bevelled edges as shown.

As most clearly shown in Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, headed hanger units l6 are se- I cured to the joists H and are adapted to depend therefrom with their lower ends in substantially the same horizontal plane. These hanger units are arranged in rows extending across the room, and their headed ends 8| are adapted to interlock with the longitudinal supporting strips which, being the counterparts of the corresponding strips 10 in the position illustrated in Figures 14 or 15, may be given the same reference character. The body portions ll of these strips are each of a box-like configuration and pro vided with the upwardly extending spaced walls 12 and the laterally flared wings or flanges 13. The hanger units l6 may be applied to the longitudinal strips by inserting the headed ends flatwlse through the slots formed between the walls 12 and then rotating the units through an angle of until the headed ends 8| extend laterally across the interior of the box-like body portion of the longitudinal strips, whereupon the members l6 may be nailed or otherwise secured to the joists or other convenient portions of the.

framework of the building. As will be readily understood, the hanger members l6 may be applied to'the strips IO-at any point along their length so as to obviate any difficulty which might arise due to the unequal spacing of the joists or t? other supporting members.

The ceiling tiles or panels 2| are suspended by the T-shaped cross strips 35' which have already been described in connection with the partition structure shown in Figures 14 and 15. These cross strips are adapted to be applied to the adjoining edges of adjacent panels in each row of panels which lie between the parallel longitudinal strips 10. I

The flat body portions of the strips 35' are adapted, when installed, to occupy vertical planes and at their ends are formed with the kerfs 41' within which are adapted to be received the laterally extending body portions H as in the case of hard tiles, and the relatively sharp edges of the flanges 21 of the cross strips may be pressed into the sides of the panels during the erection of the ceiling. Between the ad- 5 jacent edges of certain of the panels there may be inserted bafiie or spline strips 48 as in the partition Construction shown in Figure 4.

In applying the covering structure to the supporting means which-comprises the hangers I6 10 and longitudinal strips III, a cross strip 35' is placed in position with the kerfs l1 receiving the side portions of the body members II of the stripsID, as already described, and one of the tiles 2| may be pressed into engagement with one of the flanges 36 of the strip 35 until the flange is firmly seated or embedded within the material of the tile. The next cross strip 35' is then applied to the adjacent longitudinal strips of relatively soft material into which the flanges of the cross strips may be embedded by the application of slight pressure, it is readily apparent that tiles or panels of harder material may be employed, in which case the kerfs 33 for the re- 35 ception of these flanges must beformed before assembly of the ceiling.

In Figures 12 and 13 a modified type of acoustic ceiling is illustrated which, however, employs substantially the same supporting means. From the overhead supporting structure II the headed hangers I6 depend and serve to support the box-like T-shap'ed strips III to provide the main supporting assembly.- In this embodiment the panels Ill take the form of pans comprised preferably of sheet metal and adapted to contain fibrous or other acoustic material for sound insulation purposes. The margins of these panels I2I are turned upwardly as at I35 and are provided at their ends with kerfs I41 adapted to receive the lateral body portions of 'the box-like T strip I0. Narrower end flanges 80 may be struck up from the panels I2I to isolate the interiors of the pan-like panels if this is desired. It will thus be seen that the panel flanges I35 are the practical equivalents of the edge supporting strips 35 and 35' described in connection with other embodiments.

In Figure 26 a modification of a wall sheathing structure is illustrated. In this embodiment a box-like strip 85 preferably rectangular in cross section and provided with a slot 85 in one of its longer walls is employed as a spacing element similar in its function to the member shown in Figures 5 and 6. The box-like T-"shaped strip or 65 post 10 is made use of in this embodiment in supporting the edges of the panels 2i, the latter being received within the slots provided by the lateral extensions of the body portions 1| and the flaring wings orflanges I3. At the intersection of each of the strips I0 and 85, which are preferably disposed at right angleswith each other, a securing means such as a nail or spike 88 is provided. The securing element is adapted to pass through the slot 81 between theparallel walls I2, forming the upright of the T of the member ID as, for example, the screws 91.

and then through a perforation in the rear wall of the body portion II, then through theslot 86 in the other strip and flnally through a perforation in the rear wall of this latter element and into the I basicwall supporting structure. The head 88 of 5 the fastening element rests againstthe flanges I3 and bridges the slot 81. A suitable finishing coating such as plaster may be applied to the surface .of this wall sheathing assembly if desired.

Another partition modification is shown in Fig- 10 ures 18 and 19 in which use is made of the various T-shaped supporting and spacing members already described. A floor strip or track 30 is provided in this embodiment to retain the H-shaped posts 38' which comprise in this instance the two 15 channel members 93, the body portions of whichare of -a trussed or skeleton formation as indicated clearly in Figure 18. The oppositely extending end flanges of these channel members 30 are indicated at 9| and are the equivalents of the 20 T-shaped portions '40 of the spacing and connecting assemblies shown in Figures 2,3, and 4 of the drawings. Extending transversely of these'vertical supporting and spacing members 38' are the hollow T-sliaped strips III which have their wing 25 flanges I3 contacting the flanges 9I of the posts 38' and securely tied to the opposite corresponding strip III by means of the cross tie clip 95. This strip is provided with heads 96 at each of its endsv which are adapted to enter the hollow body por-- 30 tion II of the strip I0 and thus interlock with these members. The panels 2i in this instance are secured to the body portion 'II of the T- shaped strip It! by any suitable fastening means Suitable molding 36 or trim elements 98 may also be provided at the floor junction. I

In Figure 20 the H-shaped' supporting strip with the T-shaped end members is substantially identical with that employed in Figure 2 of the drawings and will be given the same reference character 38. The cross strips II! are applied thereto by means of the tie clips 95 exactly as in the c'ase'of the partition illustrated in Figures 18 and 19. However, the panels 2| are received 45 within the kerfs or slots formed between the body portions II of the strip III and the wings I3 and a coating of plaster 99 is laid-over the panels 2| and enclosing the strips I0.'

In the partition illustrated in Figure 21, the 50 skeleton supporting and spacing members 38 are employed but the T-shaped end portions are adapted to enter the body portions II of theboxlike T-shaped strips Ill and so interlock therewith. The panels 2| are received within the slots 55 as in the example shown in Figure 20 and a covering I08 of plaster or additional panel units may be applied. A window frame or jamb member IIII which may also be formed of hard asbestos paneling or other suitable material is app-lied at the end 60 of the panel and isadapted to surround the window opening shown in Figure 1 of the drawings,

Figure 21 being taken on line 21-21 of that In this case, the entire construction depends solely 15 whereby the partition illustrated in Figure 22 may be carried around a pillar such as indicated at IIB wherein the pillar is of a greater diameter than the interior space of the partition. The strips III of the nearest tying elements upon either side of the pillar III] are interlocked with additional strips III by insertion of the body members II within the slots provided by the Wings 13 of adjacent members as shown at I I I. As many of these stepped strip connections are provided as is necessary to surround the pillar and will naturally vary with the diameter of the pillars encountered. The two strips III at the wider portion of the pillar may be connected by the short panel member II2 as clearly shown in Figure 23.

In Figure 24 the opposite panel supporting strips 10 are connected by a. solid plate I I which may be of any length and which is adapted to enter the slot 8! between the walls 12, and also the body portion 1| of the strips in which it is keyed by means of the retaining element or cotter 'I I6. I

In Figure 25 the panel edge supporting boxlike T-shaped strips Ill are reversed and provided in their wider walls with relatively large openings III through which the spacing clips 95 are adapted to extend, the heads 96 of the clips resting upon the outer faces of the outwardly turned wings 13 of the strips. The irregularities provided by the slots 81, the wings I3; and the heads 96 provide excellent keying means for the plaster coating 99.

In Figure 28 the panel edge supportingstrips III are adapted to receive the panels 2I and are spaced by means of the skeleton assemblies 38' just as shown in Figure 21. In order to prevent relative movement of the T-shaped ends 90 of the members 38' within the body portion 1| of the strips III, the flanges 9| are bent so as to provide the distorted oifset portions I20 as shown, the amount of offset, of course, being equal to the width of the interior of the boxlike body portion 11.

In Figure 27 a ceiling construction is illustrated which is the exact counterpart of one half of the partition arrangement shown in Figure 25, the hangers I6 taking the place of the spacing and tying clips 95. Strips are provided with the openings I I! through which the hangers I6 extend and the heads 8I of the hangers underlie the flanges I3 and provide additional keying means for the plaster 99.

In Figure 29 there is shown a ceiling cornice element I25 which is provided with the curved portion I26, the upper and lower right angle portions I21 and the substantially U-shaped panel enclosing portions I28. These latter portions receive the ceiling and wall panels 2| in the same manner that the strips 10 function.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made' in the embodiments illustrated herein both in the manner of arranging the various elements disclosed, many of which may be considered standardized forms with respect to this invention; and also changes in the material employed may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. An interior covering structure for buildings comprising, in combination, spaced wall and ceiling members, at least the exposed ones of which are composed of a plurality of panels, spacing and connecting elements between said spaced wall and ceiling members comprising elongated main supporting member substantially T- shaped in cross section, other elongated members also T-shaped in cross section interlocked with said first named members and with the ing members, at least the exposed ones of which are composed of a plurality of panels, spacing and connecting elements between said spaced wall and ceiling members, the edges of said panels being kerfed, panel edge supporting members having portions entering the kerfs in said panel edges and other portions themselves kerfed for the reception of portions of said connecting and spacing elements.

4. In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, supporting and spacing members of substantially H-shaped cross section disposed between said wall assemblies, each of the arms of said H-shaped strip disposed adjacent one of the respective wall assemblies, and panelvedge supporting strips connected with the arms of the H-shaped members and with certain of the adjacent edges of the panels.

5. In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, supporting and spacing members of substantially H-shaped cross section and panel edge supporting strips of'T-shaped cross section connected by their upright portions with the arms of the H-shaped members and having their arms interlocked with certain of the adjacent edges of the panels.

6. In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, spacing'and connecting means between said spaced wall assemblies, said means comprising main supporting members substantially T-shaped in cross section associated with each assembly, corresponding T members of the opposite assemblies being connected by cross tie elements, panel edge supporting strips also T- shaped in cross section, the upright or shank of said T-strips being interlocked with the cross portion of the T-shaped main members, and the cross portions of the T-shaped strips interlock ing with the panel edges.

'7. In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, spacing and connecting means between said spaced wall assemblies, said means comprising main supporting members substantially T-shaped in cross section comprising hollow box-like strips associated with each assembly, corresponding T members of the. opposite assemblies being connected by headed cross tie elements which enter said box-like strips, T- shaped panel edge supporting strips, the upright being interlocked with the cross portion of the T-shaped main members, and the cross portions of the T-shaped strips interlocking with the panel edges.

3. In an interior structure for buildings, spaced wall assemblies, hollow sheet metal double cornice members secured to the ceiling and opening downwardly to receive the upper portions of said wall assemblies, said cornice members being lateraly extensible to accommodate wall assemblies of various thicknesses and spacings, the downwardly opening portions of said cornice being of suflicient extent to conceal any gap or clearance between the upper edge of said wall assembly and said ceiling.

9. In a wall assembly of the built-up panel type, a plurality of panels, a portion of the adjacent edges of certain of said panels adapted to abut each other and other portions to overlap adjoining panels, and panel supporting strips having portions embedded within the abutting edges of said panels and thus adapted to interlock with said abutting portions.

10. A partition structure for buildings comprising, in combination, spaced wallassemblies of the built-up panel type, including panel edge supporting strips, main wall supporting members comprising elongated hollow box-like substantially T-shaped strips, the foot or base of each T being open, headed, tie elements connecting corresponding main wall supporting members, the heads of said elements adapted to enter the hollow T members.

11. A partition structure for buildings comprising, in combination, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, including panel edge support strips, main wall supporting members comprising elongated hollow box-like substantially T-shaped strips, each having oppositely flaring flanges at the open base of the upright portion of the T, headed tie elements connecting corresponding main wall supporting members, the heads of said elements adapted to enter the hollow T members, narrow necks on the connecting elements adapted to occupy the uprights of the T member and shoulders on the intermediate portions of said connecting elements adapted to abut said flaring flanges.

12. A partition structure for buildings compri ing, in combination, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, includingpanel edge supporting strips, main wall supporting members comprising elongated hollow box-like substantially T-shaped strips, the foot or base of each T being open, headed tie elements connecting corresponding main wall supporting members, the heads of said elements adapted to enter the hollow T members, and tongues struck from the intermediate portion or said connecting element and adapted to enter the upright portion of one of said T members at a point spaced from the point at which the corresponding head of said connecting element enters, whereby rotation of said connecting element about its longitudinal axis is prevented.

13. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising a plu rality of panels arranged in substantial edge to edge relationship, substantially T-shaped panel edge supportingstrips having their heads interlocked with certain of the. edges of said panels,

.elongated substantially T-shaped main supporting members extending transversely of. said first named strips and suspended by hangers from the overhead supporting structure of the room, the ends of said panel edge supporting strips interlocking with said main supporting members.

14. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising a plurality of panels arranged in substantial edge to edge relationship, substantially T-shaped panel edge supporting strips'having their heads embedded in certain of the edges of said panels, elongated substantially T-shaped hollow box-like main sup porting members extending transversely of said first named strips, headed hangers secured to the overhead supporting structure of the room and adapted to enter said hollow box-like members and interlock therewith, the ends of said panel edge supporting strips interlocking with said boxlike main supporting members.

15. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising a pluralityof panels arranged in substantial edge to edge relation, adjacent edges of said panels being kerfed, panel edge supporting strips having flangesentering said kerfs, elongated hollow boxlike main supporting members extending transversely of said strips and suspended from the overhead supporting structure of the room, the ends of said strips being themselves kerfed and adapted to interlock with said hollow box-like main supporting members.

16. In an interior construction for buildings, in combination, a covering structure for the walls and ceiling thereof comprising a plurality of prefabricated panels of relatively soft material, a plurality of supporting strips, flanges formed on said strips and embedded in the material of which the panels are composed at the edges of said panels by'pressing said flanges into said material, and suspension means for said supporting strips.

17. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising a plurality of elongated main supporting members, hangers interlocking therewith and supporting said members from the interior framework of the room, panels provided with turned up edge flanges, the ends of said flanges provided with kerfs for interlocking with said main supporting members.

18. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising a plurality of elongated main supporting members having hollow box-like body portions, hangers interlocking with said hollow body portions and supporting said members from the interior framework of the room, panels provided with turned up edge flanges, the ends of said flanges provided with kerfs for interlocking with the box-like body portions of said main supporting structure.

19. In an interior structure for buildings, a wall sheathing assembly comprising a plurality of panels arranged in edge to-edge relation, substantially T-shaped panel edge supporting strips interlocking with said panel edges, similar T-shaped main supporting and spacing members having their head flanges interlocking with the ends of i said flrst named panel edge supporting strips and having the base edges of their upright members adjoining the interior wall framework of the the panel edges being received between said wings and the hollow head flanges, the hollow head portion adapted to face inwardly toward the framework of the room and provided at intervals with openings in the outer surface thereof. headed flaring wings at the base of the upright of the T,

the panel edges being received between said wings and the hollow head flanges, the hollow head portion adapted to face inwardly toward the framework of the room and provided at intervals with openings in the outer surface thereof, headed fastening elements adapted to pass through the hollow upright portion of the T and to extend through said openings, the head of said elements adapted to overlap and rest upon said flaring wings, and a hollow box-like strip disposed between said first named strip and the room framework and extending substantially transversely of said first named strip for spacing the sheathing from the wall structure.

22. In an interior structure for buildings. a partition construction comprising spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, panel supporting strips extending at intervals along said wall assembly, partition supporting and spacing members comprising skeleton-like channel elements, the corresponding panel supporting elements of opposite wall assemblies adapted to abut the flanges of said spacing members and secured together by headed tie elements.

23. In an interior structure for buildings, a partition construction comprising spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, panel supporting strips extending at intervals along said wall assemblies, H-shaped partition supporting and spacing members comprising skeleton-like channel elements, the corresponding panel supporting elements of opposite wall assemblies adapted to abut the flanges of said spacing members and secured together by headed tie elements, said panel supporting strips being of a hollow box-like construction, and said tie elements pro-' vided with heads adapted to interlock therewith.

24. In an interior structure for buildings, a

partition construction comprising spaced wall as-- semblies of the built-up panel type, hollow boxlike panel edge supporting strips of substantial T-shaped cross section, H-shaped trussed members having the upright portions of the H disposed within the hollow interiors of said panel edge supporting strips and certain of their flanges being distorted in order to substantially fill the interiors of said strips to prevent relative movement of said H-shaped members and the panel edge supporting strips.

25. An interior structure of'the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, supporting and spacing members'of substantially T-shaped cross section, H-shaped partition supporting and spacing members comprising channel elements, the corresponding panel edge receiving and supporting members of opposite wall assemblies adapted to abut the flanges of said spacing members and secured together by headed spacing elements.

tie elements, said panel supporting strips being of a hollow box-like construction, and said tie elements provided with heads adapted to interlock therewith.

26. In an interior structure for buildings, a partition construction comprising spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, each including hollow box-like panel edge receiving and supporting strips of substantially T-shaped cross section, the feet of the T strips opening inwardly of the partition and provided with flaring wings, tying and spacing elements provided with heads and narrow necks at each end thereof, said heads and necks adapted to occupy the hollow interior of said panel edge supporting stripsand shoulders provided adjacent said necks for abutting'said being provided with heads interlocking with said strips, means for widening said partition as for the purpose of surrounding a pillar or other structure comprising a plurality of similarly shaped strips interlocking with each other and arranged in stepped relation about said pillar or the like.

28. In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, spacing and connecting means between said spaced wall assemblies, said means comprising substantially T-shaped main supporting members comprising apair of angle shapes associated with each assembly, corresponding T members of the opposite assemblies being connected by cross tie elements, T-shaped panel edg supporting strips formed of folded sheet metal 4 having the upright of the, T doubled and oppositely extending wings flaring therefrom, the upright of the T being interlocked with the cross portion of the T-shaped main members, and the cross portions of the T-shaped strips interlocking with the panel edges.

29. In an interior structure of the type described, a partition construction comprising spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, panel edge supporting strips of a hollow boxlike construction and of substantially T-shaped cross section, connecting and spacing plates having their edges received within the interior of said strips, and keys passing through said edges for retaining said plates within said strips.

30. An interior covering structure for buiidings are composed of a plurality of panels, spacing and connecting elements between said spaced wall and ceiling members comprising elongated main supporting members substantially T-shaped in cross section, the edges of said panels being kerfed, panel edge supporting members also being substantially T-shaped in cross section and having certain of their arms inserted in the kerfs in said panel edges and other portions of said supporting members being themselves kerfed for the recap-- tion of portions of said T-shaped connecting and 31. In an interior structure for buildings, a wall covering structure comprising a plurality of panels arranged in substantially edge to edge relation, adjacent edges of said panels being comprising, in combination, spaced wall and ceilmg members, at least the. exposed ohes of which kerfed, panel edge supporting strips having flanges entering said kerfs, elongated hollow box like main supporting members extendingtransversely of said strips and secured to the interior wall framework of the room, the ends of 'said strips being themselves kerfed and adapted to interlock with said hollow box like main supporting members. 32.- In an interior structure of the type described, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type, spacing and connecting means be-.

tween said spaced wall and ceiling members, said means comprising substantially T-shaped main supporting members comprising a pair of angle shapes associated with each assembly, corresponding T members of the opposite assemblies being connected by cross tie elements, T-shaped pannel edge supporting strips, the upright of the T being interlocked with the cross portion of the T-shaped main members, and the cross portions of the T-shaped strips interlocking with the panel edges.

33. In an interior structure for buildings, a

partition construction comprising, in combination, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type each including a plurality of panels arranged in substantially edge to edge relation, and panel edge supporting strips each comprising a hollow box like member substantially T-shaped in cross section and having flaring wings at thebase of the upright of the T, the panel edges being received between said wings and. the hollow head flanges, each of said hollow head portions facing inwardly toward the corresponding member of the'opposite wall assembly and provided at intervals with openings in the outer surface thereof, headed connecting and spacing elements passing through the hollow upright portions of the T-shaped members and extending through said openings, the heads of said elements overlapping and resting upon said flaring wings.

34. In an interior structure for buildings, a partition construction comprising, in combination, spaced wall assemblies of the built-up panel type each including a plurality of panels arranged in substantiallyedge to edge relation, and panel edge supporting strips each comprising a hollow box like member substantially T-shaped in cross section and having flaring wings at the base of the upright of the T, the panel edges being received between said wings and the hollow head flanges, each of said hollow head portions facing inwardly toward the corresponding member of the opposite wall assembly and provided I at intervals with openings in the outer surface thereof, tying and spacing elements passing through the hollow upright portions of the T-shaped members and extending through said openings, said elements being provided with heads and narrow necks at eachend thereof, shoulders being provided on said elements adjacentsaid necks, the heads of said elements overlapping and resting against said flaring wings, the necks occupying the hollow upright portions of the T-shaped members, and the shoulders abutting the inner walls of the cross portion of the T-shaped members.

35. In an interior structure for buildings, a suspended ceiling construction comprising ap1ur-. rality of elongated main supporting members, hangers interlocking therewith and supporting said members from the interior framework of the room, sheet metal panels provided with turned up edge flanges, so as to provide tray-like receptacles for sound deadening material or the like, the ends of said flanges provided with kerfs for interlocking with said main supporting members.

36. In a wall assembly of the built-up panel type, a plurality of panels, a portion of the adjacent edges of certain of said panels adapted to .abut each other and other portions of said edges to overlap adjoining panels, and T-shaped panel edge supporting strips each having its head flanges embedded within the material of said abutting edges, whereby said strips are adapted to interlock with said panels, and the uprightmember of said supporting strips extending outwardly from the said abutting edges and adapted to be attached to a supporting structure 37. In an interior structure for buildings, a wall and ceiling sheathing assembly, of the builtup panel type, including a corner construction,

comprising the adjacent marginal panels of the ceiling sheathing and the wall sheathing respectively, said panels being disposed in planes normal to each other, and each having their adjacent edges offset from the line of intersection of said a corner arrangement for wall. and ceiling sheathing assemblies, said assemblies being of the builtup panel type and including panel edge supporting strips provided with flan'ges'for interlocking with the adjacent edges of the panels and with substantially rectangular, box-like exposed portions adapted to conceal the edges of the panels, said corner arrangement comprising the adjacent marginal portions of said wall and ceiling assemblies which are disposed in planesatright angles to each other and the edges of which are ofiset from the line of intersection of the two planes, a cornice member arranged to cover the space between said marginal edges and comprising a body portion provided along each side with an S-shaped reversely bent portion forming a squared exposed margin for the cornice member which is of the same height as said exposed portion of said edge supporting strips, so-as to form a continuous raised surface where said strips and said cornice meet, said S-shaped side portions of the cornice also providing-concealed substantially U-shaped channels opening outwardly in directions parallel with said respective intersecting planes, for the reception of the edges of said wall and ceiling assemblies.

39. As an article of manufacture, a sheet metal cornice member for application to the spaced margins of wall and ceiling panels disposed in intersecting planes, comprising, in combination, an intermediate molding portion adapted to be exposed when the cornice is installed, substantially S-shaped side portions formed on said intermediate portion providing squared exposed margins for the cornice member, and also concealed substantially U-sha'ped' channels opening outwardly in directions parallel respectively with the intersecting planes of the wall and ceiling panels and adapted to receive the spaced marginal edges oi edge supporting strips into the relatively soit material of successive ones of a row of insulating panels and interlocking the ends of said edge supporting strips with said main supporting strips.

41. An interior structure for building comprising, in combination, spaced wall and ceiling members, at least the exposed ones 0! which are composed of a plurality of panels, spacing and connesting elements between said spaced wall and ceiling members comprising elongated main supporting strips, the edges of said panels being kerfed, panel edge supporting members having relatively thin edges, said edges being inserted in the kerfs in said panel edges, and means ior conne'cting said panel edge supporting members and said main supporting strips.

42. An interior structure for buildings comprising, in combination, spaced wall and ceiling members, at least the exposed ones of which are composed of a plurality of panels, each composed of relatively soft sound absorbing material. spacing and connecting elements between said spaced wall and ceiling members comprising elongated main supporting strips, panel edge supporting members having relatively thin edges. said edges being inserted in the edges of said panels,'and means for connecting said panel edge supporting members and said main supporting strips.

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